Yolanda: Maid of Burgundy eBook

“I do not know,” answered Hymbercourt.
“Let me think it all over, and I will see you
at your house to-night. Of this I am certain:
you must not move in the matter. If you are known
to be interested, certain facts may leak out that
would ruin you and perhaps bring trouble to one who
already bears a burden too heavy for young shoulders.
We know but one useful fact: Calli and Campo-Basso
are at the bottom of this evil. The duke suspects
that the states adjacent to Switzerland, including
Styria, will give aid to the Swiss in this war with
Burgundy, and it may be that Duke Charles has reasons
for the arrest of our friends. He may have learned
that Sir Max is the Count of Hapsburg. I hope
his finger is not in the affair. I will learn
what I can, and will see you to-night. Till then,
adieu.”

True to his promise, Hymbercourt went to Castleman’s
that evening, but he had learned nothing and had thought
out no plan of action. Two days passed and there
was another consultation. Still the mystery was
as far from solution as on the day of its birth.
Yolanda was in tribulation, and declared that she
would take the matter into her own hands. Her
uncle dissuaded her, however, and she reluctantly agreed
to remain silent for a day or two longer, but she
vowed that she would give tongue to her thoughts and
arouse all Burgundy in behalf of Max and myself if
we were not soon discovered.

CHAPTER XI

PERONNE LA PUCELLE

The next morning Duke Charles went down to the great
hall of the castle to hear reports from his officers
relating to the war that he was about to wage against
the Swiss. When the duke ascended the three steps
of the dais to the ducal throne, he spoke to Campo-Basso
who stood upon the first step at the duke’s
right.

“We hear the Swiss are gathering their cantons
in great numbers,” said Campo-Basso.

“Let the sheep gather,” said Charles,
waving his hands. “The more they gather
to the fold, the more we’ll shear.”
He laughed as if pleased with the prospect, and continued,
“Proceed, my Lord Count.”

“The Duke of Lorraine is again trying to muster
his subjects against Your Grace, and sends a polite
message asking and offering terms of agreement.
Shall I read the missive, my lord?”

“No!” cried the duke, “Curse his
soft words. There is no bad news yet. Proceed.”

“It is rumored, Your Grace,” continued
the count, “that Frederick, Duke of Styria,
is preparing to aid the Swiss against Your Grace.”

“With his advice?” asked the duke.
“The old pauper has nothing else to give, unless
it be the bones of his ancestors.”

“It is said, Your Highness, that Wuertemberg
will also aid the Swiss, and that Duke Albert will
try to bring about a coalition of the German states
for the purpose of assisting the Swiss, aiding Lorraine,
and overthrowing Burgundy. This purpose, our
informant tells us, has been fostered by this same
Duke Frederick of Styria.”